The Way of Perfection
‘The Way of Perfection,’ originally published in 1583, is a book written by a prominent sixteenth-century Spanish mystic and Carmelite nun, St. Teresa of Avila, which forms a practical prayer guide that embraces readers with its warmth and accessibility. St. Teresa’s detailed directions on the achievement of spiritual perfection designate three essentials- fraternal love, detachment from material things, and true humility. She also discusses a variety of maxims related to the practice of prayer and concludes with a thought-provoking commentary on the Lord's Prayer. This classic book encourages Christians to enrich their lives with prayer and meditation. A work of sublime mystical beauty, it is above all a treatise of utter simplicity that offers lucid instruction to all seekers of a more meaningful way of life. "For at times it happens that some trifle will cause as much suffering to one as a great trial will to another; little things can bring much distress to persons who have sensitive natures. If you are not like them, do not fail to be compassionate." — St. Teresa of Ávila (The Way of Perfection)
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About the Author
Saint Teresa of Ávila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada (28 March 1515 – 4 October 1582), was a prominent Spanish mystic, Roman Catholic saint, Carmelite nun, author during the Counter Reformation, and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer. She was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered to be a founder of the Discalced Carmelites along with John of the Cross.
In 1622, forty years after her death, she was canonized by Pope Gregory XV, and on 27 September 1970 was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her books, which include her autobiography (The Life of Teresa of Jesus) and her seminal work El Castillo Interior (trans.: The Interior Castle), are an integral part of Spanish Renaissance literature as well as Christian mysticism and Christian meditation practices. She also wrote Camino de Perfección (trans.: The Way of Perfection).
After her death, Saint Teresa's cult was known in Spain during the 1620s, and for a time she was considered a candidate to become a national patron saint. A Santero image of the Immaculate Conception of El Viejo, said to have been sent with one of her brothers to Nicaragua by the saint, is now venerated as the country's national patroness at the Shrine of El Viejo. Pious Catholic beliefs also associate Saint Teresa with the esteemed religious image called Infant Jesus of Prague with claims of former ownership and devotion.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Peter Paul Rubens [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.